IT was a very special return for Errington Primary School's retired deputy headteacher Linda Staples when she came back to officially open the school's £1.5m new look.

She was delighted to be chosen to cut the ceremonial ribbon on a day of celebration at the school "It's wonderful - what an honour to be asked to do that. The children are still in my heart," she said.

Mrs Staples still plays an active role at the school, as a member of the governing body and a regular Monday afternoon listener to young readers.

She retired after 20 years, just before the building programme began in November, 2007 to remodel the school on the upper school site and build the new Sure Start Marske Children's Centre.

Headteacher Christine Stinson had no doubts about the choice. "She's a dear friend of the school, loved by the children, parents and staff."

The work was completed last October, funded through the Government's Capital Programme, providing three new classrooms, while the Children's Centre has before school and after school facilities, delivered by Rosedene Nursery, as well as a training room for activities for parents and children below the age of three.

She added: "We're absolutely delighted with the new building, creating facilities for an enhanced learning environment for the children and staff to work in - and we want to celebrate with children, parents and the community."